New California Laws 2026: What Families and Estate Planners Need to Know About Education, Taxation, and Climate Legislation

If you’re a California resident managing assets, planning your estate, or navigating probate, understanding new state legislation is essential to protecting your family’s future. Part 27 of the New California Laws 2026 seriescovers critical updates from the 2024-25 legislative session affecting childhood education, taxation, climate change, cannabis regulation, and more.

Who Should Read This Article?

This guide is for California residents who:

Are updating their estate plans and need to understand how new tax laws might affect wealth transfer strategies

Manage trusts or estates and want to stay compliant with the latest regulatory changes

Are parents or grandparents concerned about education funding and childcare legislation

Want to understand how climate and transportation laws might impact real estate and asset values

Key Legislation California Families Should Know About

Education and Childcare Changes

Two significant bills address early childhood education and childcare in California:

SB-120: Implements changes to early childhood education and childcare programs

SB-151: Provides additional framework for early childhood education and childcare

For families establishing education trusts or 529 plans, these legislative changes may create new opportunities for tax-advantaged education savings.

Taxation Updates That Affect Estate Planning

SB-132addresses taxation matters that could impact your estate planning strategy. California residents with substantial assets should consult with estate planning professionals to understand how these tax changes might affect:

Trust distributions and beneficiary taxation

Gift tax considerations for wealth transfer

Property tax implications for real estate held in trusts

Climate Change and Environmental Legislation

SB-127tackles climate change with new environmental regulations. For California property owners and estate planners, this legislation could affect:

Real estate valuations in climate-vulnerable areas

Property insurance requirements and costs

Long-term asset protection strategies for coastal or wildfire-prone properties

Other Notable Changes

SB-142: Updates to the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program, relevant for special needs trusts

SB-141: California Cannabis Tax Fund provisions affecting the Department of Cannabis Control

SB-128and SB-153: Transportation legislation that may impact property access and values

How These Laws Affect Your Estate Plan

California’s legal landscape constantly evolves, and legislation passed in 2024-25 may require updates to your existing estate plan. Here’s what to consider:

Review your trust documents to ensure compliance with new taxation rules

Update beneficiary designations if family dynamics have changed

Reassess property holdings in light of new climate and environmental regulations

Consider education trust provisions given changes to childhood education programs

Why California Families Choose California Probate and Trust, PC

Navigating California’s complex legal system doesn’t have to be overwhelming. California Probate and Trust, PC specializes in helping California residents create comprehensive estate plans that protect families across generations. Our experienced attorneys stay current with legislative changes and provide transparent, compassionate guidance through every step of the estate planning and probate process.

We offer free consultations to help you understand how new legislation affects your specific situation and develop strategies that provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until legislation catches you off guard. Schedule a free consultation with California Probate and Trust, PC to review how these 2026 law changes affect your estate plan. Our Sacramento-based team has helped thousands of California families navigate complex estate planning challenges with clarity and confidence.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances vary. For specific legal guidance regarding your estate planning needs, please consult with a qualified California estate planning attorney. California Probate and Trust, PC is available for consultations but this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.

For complete bill text and official details, visit the California Legislature’s official website.